How To Register A Business License In Namibia

What is Business Licence?

Business licenses are permits issued by government agencies that allow individuals or companies to conduct business within the government’s geographical jurisdiction. It is the authorization to start a business issued by the local government.

How To Register A Business License In Namibia

The permit application requirements include:

  • A duly completed application form signed by the applicant; and
  • Medical Certificate Form / Radiological Report Form completed by a medical practitioner; and
  • Certified copies of highest education or trade certificate of the applicant; and
  • Certified copies of previous work references of the applicant included in a detailed CV; and
  • Copies of travel documents or passport of applicant; and
  • Registration Certificate(s) indicating the registration of the applicant with a relevant professional board / association; and
  • Police Clearance Certificate from country of origin and last country of residence; and
  • Two passport type photographs (in colour); and
  • Certified copies of all marriage or divorce certificate of applicant; and
  • A motivation letter by the by prospective employer indicating the reasons for appointing the applicant and not a Namibian citizen; and Deed of Surety
  • A copy of advertisements placed in local newspapers advertising the position (if applicable); and Copies of three CV’s of unsuccessful applicants
  • A copy of employment / contract between applicant and employer
  • Comments from the relevant Trade Union (if applicable)
  • If the applicant has been registered for Namibian taxation, proof of such registration should b included; and
    If the applicant has applied (or obtained) a Status investment Certificate in terms of the Namibian Foreign Investment Act, a copy of such certificate (or application) should be included in the application.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

Where can I register my business in Namibia?

  • the Ministry of Finance (registration for VAT and Company Tax)
  • the Ministry of Labour.
  • the Ministry of Home Affairs (work permits, visas, etc.)
  • the Social Security Commission.
  • NAMFISA.

How do I register my CC in Namibia?

  • Copy of the approved form for name reservation.
  • Founding statement in triplicate.
  • Consent letter from the accounting officer.
  • Certified Copy of passport in case of foreigners.

How can I get permanent residency in Namibia?

  • Application form (3-1/0039)
  • Application for Visa form (3-1/0033)
  • Questionnaire form for permanent residence.
  • Declaration Form.
  • Medical certificate.
  • Radiological certificate.
  • Copy of marriage/divorce/death certificate or letters.
  • Copy of travel document or passport.

Can foreigners open a business in Namibia?

The most common structure for a Namibian investor permit applicant is a Namibian company. It therefore follows that a foreign shareholder can own 100% of the shares in a Namibian company. The company may appoint Directors and shareholders need not be natural persons.

How do I register a cash loan business in Namibia?

The applicant will be required to complete the application form and submit the following documentation with the completed application form to NAMFISA: 5.1 A certified copy of Income Tax registration certificate of the Cash Loan Business as issued by the Ministry of Finance.

Can a South African buy a business in Namibia?

It is important to note that Namibia has no restrictions on the ownership of shares in Namibian entities by foreign nationals. In Namibia a business can be managed and property purchased through companies, closed corporations and/or business trusts.

How do I register a micro business loan in Namibia?

To register a new micro finance company a non-refundable application fee of R500 is needed as well as a R250 branch fee per location. Application forms and all relevant regulations can be easily downloaded from the NCR website or you can download the forms below: Application for registration as a credit provider.

What is the main purpose of a business in Namibia?

The primary purpose of a business is to maximize profits for its owners or stakeholders while maintaining corporate social responsibility.

What businesses will always be in demand in Namibia?

  • IT & Design. Everything is online these days so it is a no-brainer that IT & design is an industry that is going no-where.
  • Renewable Energy & Environmental.
  • Transport.
  • Insurance.

How can a woman start a small business in Namibia?

The most common permits most women business owners will need are a fictitious name certificate, or DBA, and an employer identification number, or EIN. DBAs are needed if you are using a name for your business that is not your own legal name, and are usually obtained at the county level.

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Complete Guide to NSFAS Online Loan Application for South African Students (2025)

If you are a South African student looking to pursue higher education but are facing financial difficulties, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is one of the most accessible funding options available. NSFAS provides financial aid in the form of bursaries and loans to qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the NSFAS loan application process, from eligibility requirements to application steps and frequently asked questions.

📌 What is NSFAS?

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded financial aid scheme aimed at helping students from low- and middle-income households to access tertiary education without the burden of upfront fees.

NSFAS offers both bursaries and income-contingent loans:

  • Bursaries: For eligible students who meet academic and household income criteria (especially for TVET and university students).
  • Loans: For students who do not meet all bursary criteria or who are pursuing postgraduate qualifications not funded under bursary schemes.

✅ Who Qualifies for an NSFAS Loan?

To qualify for an NSFAS loan (especially for postgraduate students or programs not funded under the bursary system), you must:

  • Be a South African citizen.
  • Be financially needy, with a household income of less than R350,000 per year.
  • Have a valid South African ID.
  • Be enrolled or accepted to study at a public university or TVET college.
  • Not be funded through another bursary program that covers all expenses.
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress (returning students).

📚 Courses Funded by NSFAS

NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate qualifications, but certain postgraduate programs (e.g., PGCE, postgraduate diplomas in education, and professional courses like LLB) may be considered under the NSFAS loan scheme, not bursaries.

If you’re studying:

  • Undergraduate degree or diploma: You are likely eligible for a full NSFAS bursary.
  • Postgraduate study: You may qualify for a loan, depending on the course and funding availability.

📄 Required Documents for NSFAS Application

When applying, make sure you have the following documents scanned and ready:

  1. Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
  2. Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
  3. Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
  4. Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
  5. Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
  6. Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).

🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online

Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)

  1. Visit the NSFAS Website

    Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za

  2. Create an Account

    • Click on “MyNSFAS” and register your profile.
    • You’ll need a valid email address and South African cellphone number.
    • Choose a strong password and verify your account via email or SMS.

  3. Login and Start the Application

    • After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
    • Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.

  4. Fill in Your Personal Details

    • Input your ID number, name, surname, and other details exactly as they appear on your ID.
    • Provide household income information and living arrangements.

  5. Upload Required Documents

    • Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
    • Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.

  6. Submit Your Application

    • Review your application for accuracy.
    • Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.

  7. Track Your Application

    • Log in regularly to check your application status.
    • You will be notified via SMS and email at each stage of the process.

🗓️ Important NSFAS Dates (2025)

  • Application Opening Date: September 1, 2025
  • Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
  • Appeals Period: February 2026 (if rejected)
  • Disbursement: After registration and approval

Note: Dates are subject to change; always confirm on the official NSFAS website.

💸 What Does the NSFAS Loan Cover?

NSFAS funding typically includes:

  • Tuition fees
  • Registration fees
  • Accommodation (if living away from home)
  • Meals and transport
  • Learning materials (e.g., textbooks)

For loans, repayment is only required once you start working and earn above a threshold (around R30,000 annually, but subject to change).

🔄 NSFAS Loan Repayment

Repayments are:

  • Income-contingent – you only repay when you can afford to.
  • Administered by DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training).
  • Interest-bearing, but interest rates are low and favorable.

You can also apply for a partial loan conversion to a bursary if you perform well academically.

🔁 How to Appeal a Rejected NSFAS Application

If your application is rejected, you may submit an appeal via your MyNSFAS portal:

  1. Log into your MyNSFAS account.
  2. Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
  3. If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
  4. Upload any missing or corrected documents.
  5. Provide a clear explanation or motivation.

📱 NSFAS Contact Information

📝 Final Tips Before Applying

  • Apply early to avoid system overload near the deadline.
  • Use your own email and cellphone number (do not use someone else’s).
  • Double-check that all your documents are certified and legible.
  • Keep a copy of your submission confirmation for reference.

By following this guide, you can confidently apply for NSFAS funding and move one step closer to achieving your academic and career dreams—without the burden of immediate financial pressure.

 

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